Akurmi community in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State has raised the alarm over sustained killings and kidnapping by bandits, lamenting that 59 of its people have remained in captivity since last October.
Leaders of the community said no fewer than 12 residents were killed while dozens were abducted in a string of attacks that have left villages deserted, farmlands abandoned and families traumatised.
At a press conference in Kaduna, the Akurmi Development Association (AKURDA) painted a grim picture of life under siege, saying the wave of violence across their settlements in the last four months has pushed the people to the brink.
AKURDA President, Yakubu J. Maigamo, at a press conference, questioned the seeming neglect of the community in the face of repeated attacks.
“Are we still part of Nigeria? Or have Akurmi lives become disposable?” he asked.
Maigamo said what used to be thriving ancestral farmlands have now turned into “graveyards and forests of fear,” as gunmen invade villages at will, killing men and whisking away women and children.
He said the attacks have been systematic and devastating, affecting several communities across Lere and neighbouring local governments.
He cited Karku-Ningi in Kauru Local Government where four persons were killed and nine kidnapped during an October, last year raid.
He also listed Gidan-Waya, Jan-Tsauni and Mai-Yamma in Lere Local Government Area where another four people were killed and 13 abducted last November.
According to him, more abductions and killings were recorded in Majagada, Gurza, Garun-Kurama and Biman-Kurama communities within the period under review.
Maigamo disclosed that many of those abducted since October last year are still in captivity, with families forced to sell off harvested grains meant to sustain them through the year to pay ransoms.
He described the bandits as operating with “absolute impunity,” alleging that the attackers strike repeatedly without resistance or consequence.
While acknowledging efforts by the Federal Government and state government to address insecurity, the community leader said the response has been grossly insufficient to stem the tide of attacks on Akurmi settlements.
He said the continued silence and slow response from authorities have emboldened the attackers and deepened the people’s sense of abandonment.
The association appealed to Governor Uba Sani to order the deployment of security personnel to Akurmi communities to prevent further attacks.
Akurmi community in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State has raised a desperate alarm over sustained killings and kidnappings by bandits, lamenting that 59 of its people have remained in captivity since October 2025.
Leaders of the community said no fewer than 12 residents were killed while dozens were abducted in a string of attacks that have left villages deserted, farmlands abandoned, and families traumatised.
At a press conference in Kaduna, the Akurmi Development Association (AKURDA) painted a grim picture of life under siege, saying the wave of violence across their settlements in the last four months has pushed the people to the brink.
AKURDA President, Yakubu J. Maigamo, who addressed journalists, questioned the seeming neglect of the community in the face of repeated attacks.
“Are we still part of Nigeria? Or have Akurmi lives become disposable?” he asked.
Maigamo said what used to be thriving ancestral farmlands have now turned into “graveyards and forests of fear,” as gunmen invade villages at will, killing men and whisking away women and children.
He said the attacks have been systematic and devastating, affecting several communities across Lere and neighbouring local governments.
He cited Karku-Ningi in Kauru LGA, where four persons were killed and nine kidnapped during an October 2025 raid.
He also listed Gidan-Waya, Jan-Tsauni, and Mai-Yamma in Lere LGA, where another four people were killed and 13 abducted in November 2025.
According to him, more abductions and killings were recorded in Majagada, Gurza, Garun-Kurama, and Biman-Kurama communities within the period under review.
Maigamo disclosed that many of those abducted since October last year are still in captivity, with families forced to sell off harvested grains meant to sustain them through the year to pay ransoms.
He described the bandits as operating with “absolute impunity,” alleging that the attackers strike repeatedly without resistance or consequence.
While acknowledging efforts by the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to address insecurity, the community leader said the response has been grossly insufficient to stem the tide of attacks on Akurmi settlements.
He said the continued silence and slow response from authorities have emboldened the attackers and deepened the people’s sense of abandonment.
The association issued a direct appeal to Governor Uba Sani to order an immediate and permanent deployment of security personnel to the Akurmi communities to prevent further attacks.
It also demanded a coordinated, high-level intelligence operation aimed specifically at rescuing all abductees still in captivity.
Maigamo further called for a thorough investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those behind the attacks, as well as any collaborators aiding the criminals.
“Justice cannot wait. Safety cannot be delayed,” he said.
“Our commitment to peace must not be mistaken for a willingness to perish in silence. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
The community appealed to civil society organisations, humanitarian groups, and the international community to amplify their cry for help before more lives are lost.
They warned that continued inaction could lead to further bloodshed and displacement across the area.
“The blood of the slain cries out for justice,” Maigamo said, urging urgent intervention to save the remaining captives and restore normalcy to Akurmi land.
Governor Uba Sani has commissioned the longest road that has been constructed in the last two decades, cutting across three local governments and linking more than 76 farming communities in Kaduna State.
He said that the road, which stretches from Igabi to Kajuru and Chikun local governments, includes a 130-metre bridge over the River Kaduna, which serves several rural communities.
The Governor said that the 35-kilometre asphaltic road linking Gadan Gayan through Gwaraji to Kujama Junction will transform mobility, agriculture, and rural economies in those communities.
Speaking at the commissioning on Monday, he described the project as a historic milestone in the state’s infrastructure development, adding that it reflects his administration’s inclusive and people-centred development model.
Governor Uba Sani recalled that when the project was flagged off in January 2024, his administration had pledged to deliver a durable and efficient transport corridor.
The governor maintained that ‘’through disciplined planning, professional execution, and collective commitment, that promise has been fulfilled.’’
He explained that the road provides an alternative route that reduces reliance on the often-congested Kaduna metropolis, thereby cutting travel time and transportation costs for commuters and traders.
“Emergency services will be able to respond faster, schoolchildren will reach their classrooms with greater ease, and families will enjoy improved access to healthcare, markets, and social services,” he noted.
The Governor also emphasized the road’s agricultural importance, stressing that agriculture remains the leading contributor to Kaduna State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
“By traversing agriculturally productive rural communities across three local government areas, this road directly links farms to markets, aggregation centres, processing facilities, and urban consumption hubs,” he said, adding that it would reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen agricultural value chains.”
Governor Uba Sani said early signs of economic revival are already visible along the corridor, with new filling stations, markets, and small businesses emerging. “This is the quiet but powerful multiplier effect of well-planned infrastructure,” he remarked.
The Governor said the project also addresses long-standing inequities in public investment, especially in Kajuru Local Government Area, one of the 12 Area Councils that had not benefited from a road project for more than 12 years.
“This prolonged neglect constrained economic activity, and that reality was unacceptable,” he said, pledging that his administration is ‘’reversing decades of under-investment.’’
The Governor explained that the commissioned road is part of a broader programme that includes 140 road projects, covering 1,335 kilometres across Kaduna State.
Governor Uba Sani said that 66 of the roads that his administration initiated have already been completed, while others are between 60 and 75 per cent completed.
The North West Development Commission (NWDC) on Saturday convened its first stakeholders’ development summit at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Kaduna, bringing together federal actors, development partners and regional stakeholders to chart a coordinated development path for the zone.
But none of the seven Governors from the North-West States attended the summit in person.
The Governors were represented variously by their deputies, Secretaries to State Governments and Commissioners.
The absence drew concern from participants, including Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Protem Chairman of the Northern Reconciliation Group, who described the development as disappointing given the significance of the summit to the region’s future.
He said it was regrettable that no governor from the zone deemed it necessary to attend personally, noting that only representatives were present despite the strategic importance of the meeting.
According to him, the summit was designed to advance a coordinated, inclusive and sustainable development agenda for the North-West through legislative leadership, state political commitment, stakeholder collaboration and alignment of development interventions.
Baba Ahmed explained that the objectives included providing a high-level platform for dialogue among federal and state actors, development partners and other critical stakeholders on priority issues affecting the region.
He added that the forum was also intended to strengthen coordination between the National Assembly, state governments, the NWDC and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in planning and implementing development initiatives.
The summit, he said, was aimed at supporting the operational readiness of the NWDC and enhancing the effective delivery of its mandate through shared commitments and improved coordination structures.
He noted that discussions at the forum focused on integrated and cross-sectoral approaches to tackling key challenges such as infrastructure deficit, insecurity, agriculture, climate resilience, human capital development and economic inclusion.
Encouraging private sector participation and development partner support in financing sustainable development projects, he added, was also a major focus of the summit.
Baba Ahmed further stated that the meeting was expected to produce a practical, action-oriented communiqué to guide policy alignment, legislative backing and coordinated implementation for sustainable outcomes in the region.
Describing Kaduna as the “heart of the North,” he said it was concerning that, despite hosting such a crucial meeting on North-West development, none of the governors from the zone attended in person.
“As stakeholders, we are here to offer our support out of love for the region.
“Leadership is a responsibility given to deliver results. When you do well, the people will appreciate you, but when you fail, you will also be held accountable,” he said.
He, however, commended participants who attended physically and contributed meaningfully to the deliberations.
Troops of 1 Division/Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a bandit attack and neutralised one suspected terrorist during a snap ambush in the Maraban Rido general area of Kaduna State.
The operation followed a distress call received late on January 22, 2026, indicating that armed bandits had rustled livestock in Anguwan Fulan village within the Rido axis.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops were deployed to the area and laid a hasty ambush to intercept the fleeing criminals.
Upon arrival, the troops made contact with the bandits and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds.
The soldiers subsequently carried out aggressive exploitation of surrounding forested areas, including the Kankomi forest, where another contact was made at a suspected crossing point around Anguwan Sarki.
During the engagement, the troops again overwhelmed the bandits, compelling them to abandon their loot and flee, leading to the recovery of some of the rustled livestock.
Further exploitation of the ambush location in the early hours of January 23, 2026, resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, while urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Gov. Uba Sani has disclosed that the water production of Kaduna State has increased from 8 per cent to over 30 per cent in the last two and half years as a result of a comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure.
The Governor, who made this known when the management of the National Water Resources Institute(NWRI) paid him a courtesy call, pledged a 100 per cent coverage across Kaduna State by late 2026.
He lamented, “For over a decade, our water sector suffered from systemic neglect.
‘’When this administration assumed office, we encountered a sector in deep distress—treatment plants were dormant, distribution networks had been severely compromised by past urban renewal projects, and overall water production had fallen to a staggering 8 per cent.”
Sani disclosed that his administration then embarked on an unprecedented journey to comprehensively overhaul Kaduna State’s water infrastructure.
According to him, his government had committed between ₦93 billion and ₦100 billion over the next four years, from 2024 to 2027, to ensure that every household in Kaduna State enjoyed a steady and reliable supply of clean water.’’
The governor said that his administration spent over ₦5 billion replacing pipes lost to vandalism and damaged during past urban renewal projects in Zaria and Kafanchan.
‘’A further ₦10 Billion investment in replacement of priority and critical pipelines for Kaduna is ongoing,’’ he said, adding that, “we have invested ₦1.4billion in high-quality water purification chemicals.’’
According to the governor, his administration had cleared ₦1.3 billion in outstanding electricity bills to keep pumps running to guarantee uninterrupted operations.
He pointed out that Kaduna State Government had not only invested in water infrastructure renewal, but also ‘’prioritised the welfare of workers who make things happen in the water sector.’’
The governor added that he had cleared the salary arrears of Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC) staffers, amounting to over N900 million and integrated the workforce into the heart of the reform agenda.
‘’I have also approved the allocation of land for a Mass Housing Project in Millennium City, Kaduna.
“We want the professionals who safeguard our water resources to have a place they can proudly call home,’’ he disclosed.
The governor promised to collaborate with the National Water Resources Institute for long-term sustainability, which requires not only infrastructure but expertise.
He allocated land to the establishment of branches of the institute in Zaria and Kachia, adding that they would bridge critical training gaps and ensure that our state agencies are staffed by some of the best-trained water professionals in the country.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Institute, Dr Abduljalal Danbaba, said that (NWRI) had both academic and research mandates, adding that it harmonises the activities of the 12 River Basins in the country.
He disclosed that the Institute had been recognised as a World Metrological Centre in Africa, disclosing that NWRI advises the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation on manpower needs and training.
Danbaba disclosed that the Institute wants to boost its enrolment and that it is offering complimentary forms to the Kaduna State Government for short-term courses to enhance its manpower development.
The director-general pointed out that the beneficiaries would only pay 50 per cent of the registration fees.
Says bandits struck because of 17 ‘missing motorcycles’
They threatened to come back and wipe us out
38 persons snatched from my family – Survivor
It was supposed to be another quiet Sunday of worship in Kurmin Wali, a sleepy agrarian community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Instead, January 18, 2026 has become a date etched in grief, fear and unanswered questions, as gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the village and abducted scores of worshippers during church services, Senior Correspondent Abdulgafar Alabelewe reports.
The attackers struck in broad daylight, moving from one church to another and turning sacred spaces into scenes of terror. By the time the dust settled, community leaders and church officials said 177 worshippers had been forcibly taken into the surrounding forests, leaving behind traumatised families and an entire village in shock.
Conflicting accounts initially followed the incident, with security sources dismissing reports of a mass abduction. But survivors’ testimonies, escapees’ stories and a growing list of missing persons painted a grim picture that could no longer be ignored.
One of those who lived to tell the tale is Mr. Joseph Bawa. Frail, soft-spoken and visibly shaken, Bawa was among the abducted worshippers who narrowly escaped death while being marched into the bush by the gunmen.
“It was on the 18th of January. We were in church around 9 am when the kidnappers came,” he recalled.
“They entered the church, scattered everything and ordered us to lie down.
“They collected our phones, money and whatever they could find.”
According to him, the attackers did not stop at one church. After robbing worshippers, they herded them to another church where more people were already lying face-down on the ground, terrified and helpless.
“They robbed everyone again and then forced all of us into the bush,” Bawa said.
“As we were moving, they kept beating us. Many people were injured. Some of them are now in the hospital.”
The journey into captivity was long and brutal. The abductees were pushed through thick vegetation until they arrived at what Bawa described as a deserted village, already emptied of its residents by fear of bandit attacks.
“Some people escaped from there, but I could not,” he said.
“Later, we reached a narrow river with strong water. There were many of us, and people were pushing to cross.”
That river became Bawa’s unlikely route to freedom. Weak and exhausted, he could not keep up with the others and was repeatedly beaten by the gunmen for slowing them down.
“Because of my age, I didn’t have the strength,” he recounted.
“They beat me and beat me. Eventually, everyone crossed the river, including the bandits, and they left me behind in the water.”
When he realised no one was watching him anymore, instinct took over. “I escaped through the water and into the bush until I reached another village,” he said.
What haunted him the most, however, were the words of the abductors. According to Bawa, the bandits claimed they had hidden 17 motorcycles in the bush, only to return and find them missing.
“They accused our community of stealing the motorcycles,” he said.
“They told us if we did not produce them, they would kill all of us.
“They also threatened to come back and wipe out those who were left in the village.”
Bawa said only 11 people managed to escape. “A total of 177 people were kidnapped. As of now, 166 people are still in their custody,” he added.
Another survivor, Yohana Dauji, secretary of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Kurmin Wali Number One, said the attack caught the congregation completely unprepared.
“That morning, around 9:30 a.m., we were in church worshipping,” she said.
“Normally, we post people outside to watch. Suddenly, they came running to tell us that terrorists were approaching.”
Before any meaningful action could be taken, the gunmen had already surrounded the church. “Some people tried to run, others fell,” Dauji said.
“They told us not to run and promised not to harm us. But it was a lie.”
He said worshippers were forced out and marched into the bush, with the attackers picking up more victims from other churches along the way.
“They threatened to shoot anyone who tried to escape,” she added.
For many families, the pain is deeper and more personal. Linus Idris Gwom, a community resident, was away from home when the attackers struck. A frantic phone call from his wife changed everything.
“I had gone out that morning to buy something along the main road,” he said.
“My wife called and said Fulani attackers had entered the village and were abducting people from the churches, including her and our two children.”
Gwom rushed back, only to meet a ghost village. “Before I got home, I noticed the village was empty,” he said.
“When I reached my compound, nobody was there.”
The scale of his loss is staggering. “From my family compound alone, they took 38 people. Only my father, my mother and I were left. Everyone else, including my wife and children, was taken.”
Two days after the attack, Governor Uba Sani visited Kurmin Wali, sympathised with residents and promised that the abducted villagers would be rescued within days.
He assured the community that the state government was working closely with the military, police, DSS and other agencies.
While debates over figures and narratives continue, community leaders insist that numbers are secondary to the human cost of the tragedy. Groups like the Adara Development Association have demanded accountability and urgent action, insisting that 166 worshippers remain in captivity.
For survivors like Joseph Bawa, the trauma lingers long after escape. The images of beaten worshippers, crying children and gun-wielding men still replay in his mind alongside the chilling threats of a return attack.
Despite the traumatic experience, Bawa commended Governor Uba Sani for personally visiting Kurmin Wali to sympathise with the victims and assess the situation.
He described the governor’s leadership as compassionate and people-centred.
He further expressed confidence in the governor’s commitment to the security and wellbeing of residents, offering prayers for his continued leadership of the state.
In Kurmin Wali, hope now hangs on the success of ongoing security operations.
Until their loved ones return, the churches remain quieter, the roads emptier, and a once-peaceful community continues to pray, not just for safety, but for answers.
Meanwhile, injured victims have been evacuated to Kaduna for medical attention and psychosocial support, in line with assurances given by Governor Uba Sani during his visit to the community.
The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has begun a three-day prayer session for
members of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Kaduna kidnapped by the bandits during last Sunday Service.
Over 100 members of the Church were kidnapped in Iburu District of Kajuru LGA in Kaduna State, from two branches during a raid on the community by bandits last Sunday.
Reacting to the incident, OAIC Regional President,
Elder Israel Akinadewo, FCA, PhD, deflated a three-day prayer by the bloc for their release.
Akinadewo, in a statement, directed: “Let us embark on three days prayer from today (Thursday) to Saturday, with special Altar prayer on Sunday, for God to intervene on this matter.
Our God hears prayer and it is our duty to call upon Him *[Jeremiah 33:3]*
May the Lord bless us as we stand in gap for our brethren.”
Residents of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have commended the Nigerian military and the state government following a sustained security offensive that reportedly led to the neutralisation of over 70 bandits and the destruction of several criminal hideouts in the area.
Community leaders said the operation, carried out in recent days, targeted long-established bandit enclaves hidden within forested areas of Kauru, which had served as launch pads for attacks, kidnappings, and killings across the local government.
Among the notorious camps dislodged were Rafin Gora Camp, Agwala Camp, Ruwan Sanyi, and Randa, which residents described as major strongholds used by armed groups to terrorise surrounding communities for years.
The operation was led by the Commandant of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Samaru Kataf, Navy Captain I.T. Akaazua, under whose leadership troops carried out coordinated ground assaults on identified bandit locations.
During the offensive, several abducted victims were rescued alive. Those freed were identified as Barnabas Zakaria and Hosea Barnabas, both from Doka in Kajuru Local Government Area, as well as Haruna Ummar, Timothy Musa, Hasat Ummar, and Balkisu Ummar, all from Kauru Local Government Area.
Speaking in separate interviews, community leaders, including Alhaji Tukur Kadage, Chairman of the Joint Security Committee of Dokan Karji and Kwassam communities; Mr Barnabas Musa of Chawai Chiefdom; and Hon. Aminu Khalid, Youth Leader of Dokan Karji community, praised the military for what they described as a decisive intervention that has significantly weakened bandit networks in the area.
Musa specifically commended the ongoing military onslaught in Kauru and Kumana Chiefdoms, while appealing for the operation to be sustained and extended to parts of Chawai Chiefdom, particularly the Rahman Chawai and Badurum axis, where communities, he said, continue to face serious security threats.
The leaders recalled that Kauru Local Government Area, located in Southern Kaduna, has endured persistent insecurity since 2010, beginning with an attack on the Kizachi community in Chawai Chiefdom in which eight persons were killed.
They said the violence initially remained limited to Chawai Chiefdom but later spread to Kumana Chiefdom and parts of the Kauru Emirate by 2015, resulting in widespread killings, kidnappings, and displacement.
According to them, armed groups over the years established camps within dense forests surrounding Kauru, using the difficult terrain to launch repeated raids, abduct residents for ransom, and rustle livestock, forcing many families to abandon their homes and farmlands.
They added that the prolonged violence left thousands displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care.
The community leaders linked the recent security gains to the peace and security strategy of Governor Uba Sani, which they said combines sustained military operations with intelligence-driven policing, community engagement, and reconciliation.
According to them, the governor’s approach, which promotes collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities, has improved intelligence gathering and reduced the operating space of criminal elements across the state.
They also noted that residents have begun to feel the positive impact of the permanent military barracks established in the area by a former Chief of Defence Staff, saying the presence of the brigade has enhanced rapid response and sustained pressure on bandit groups.
“The coordination we are seeing now is encouraging. The government’s approach has made communities more willing to share intelligence with security agencies,” one of the leaders said.
The communities appealed to the Federal and Kaduna State governments to sustain the military pressure while scaling up humanitarian support to enable displaced residents to return home and resume farming and other economic activities.
“We have pledged, as communities, to continue cooperating with security agencies by exposing criminal hideouts and providing timely intelligence to ensure lasting peace and stability in the area,” the leaders said.
Nigeria—and indeed Kaduna State—is on the rise. The combined efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani over the last two and a half years have translated into a journey of transformation, marked by improvements in security, infrastructure, agriculture, and the general welfare of the people. Across the length and breadth of the country and Kaduna State in particular, communities that were once neglected and steeped in despair are gradually regaining hope. At the same time, terrorists and bandits who for years threatened peace and challenged the authority of the Nigerian state are, for the first time, facing the full weight of the law.
There is a growing sense of optimism among a majority of Nigerians that the present administration is steering the country in the right direction. In barely two years, the Tinubu administration has targeted and neutralised over forty notorious bandit leaders, killed or arrested more than four thousand of their followers, and secured the release of thousands of abducted citizens. According to a release by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, sustained offensive operations across the country have resulted in the neutralisation of several high-profile terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants, including Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Matawal Bitrus, Thomas Benedict, Mohammed Sani, Rimamy (aka Omo), Terkimbi Injoko, Jacob Uzege, Ibn Kasir, Kachalla Ɗan Baleri, Kachalla Halilu Jimmare (Buzu), Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakarriya, and Ofem Igwe, among others. In addition, in the third quarter of 2025 alone, troops recovered 1,304 weapons and 43,347 rounds of ammunition.
In Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani’s inclusive and collaborative governance model has contributed significantly to the successes recorded by security forces within and around the state. His consistent support for security agencies—particularly in logistics and funding—has enhanced their operational capacity and preparedness. The establishment of the Kaduna Vigilance Service and the recruitment of nearly 10,000 personnel have further strengthened community policing and intelligence gathering.
Equally important is the shift from the combative and divisive approach of the immediate past administration to a people-centred and inclusive model under Governor Uba Sani. This new approach treats citizens as partners in governance and development as a shared heritage, irrespective of tribe or religion. Community and religious leaders are actively engaged to promote unity and peaceful coexistence. Areas that were once notorious corridors for banditry and kidnapping have increasingly become safe zones for agriculture and commerce. The Chikun, Birnin Gwari, and Kaduna–Abuja axes stand as clear evidence of this transformation.
Despite these gains, serious challenges persist. In parts of Kajuru, Kachia, Kaura, Sanga, and Kauru Local Government Areas, bandits have made attempts to regroup and unleash fresh waves of violence. In a recent open petition to the Governor of Kaduna State, Comrade Nasiru Jagaba highlighted disturbing incidents of bandit attacks and kidnappings that reportedly led to the deaths of 16 persons, with about 138 others still in captivity. He also alleged possible military collusion, citing a November 30, 2025 incident in which the Chawai Youth Leader and six others were gruesomely murdered near a military checkpoint. According to him, local intelligence points to the existence of bandit and terrorist camps hidden within the rocky terrains of the area, underscoring the need for determined, intelligence-led operations.
While these attacks, the avoidable loss of lives, and the continued captivity of innocent citizens must be unequivocally condemned, it is equally important to acknowledge the current government’s commitment to securing lives and property. The sacrifices of gallant security personnel—some of whom have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty—deserve recognition. Crucially, the role of communities themselves cannot be overlooked, as local actions can either help prevent or inadvertently worsen insecurity.
In recent weeks, the federal government has reiterated its readiness to work with all Nigerians, subnational governments, and foreign partners to end the cycle of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime that has plagued the country for nearly two decades. The appointment of General Christopher as Chief of Defence Staff, his subsequent return as Honourable Minister of Defence following widespread public outcry, renewed collaboration with the United States, and intensified military offensives all signal a serious commitment to tackling insecurity.
These efforts have yielded tangible results. Kachalla Dogo Isah, one of Kaduna State’s most notorious bandit leaders, was killed around the Kachia axis in January 2025. Boderi Isyaku, responsible for deadly attacks along the Kaduna–Abuja and Kaduna–Birnin Gwari roads, was killed in February 2024 during a military operation by troops of the One Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army. He died alongside several fighters during a gun battle in the Bada and Riwaya areas of Chikun and Igabi LGAs. Similarly, Kachalla Adamu, a dangerous bandit leader operating across Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna States, was killed in early 2024 during an airstrike in the Zurmi forest of Zamfara State. Another notorious commander, Kachalla Tukur Sharme, was eliminated in a major military operation in September 2024. Sharme was responsible for countless murders, kidnappings, and cattle rustling, including the 2021 abduction of 121 students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kujama, Kaduna State.
The Nigerian Police Force has also recorded notable successes. Recently, police foiled a planned attack and attempted kidnapping of 76 children in the Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State. Similarly, in Ungwan Ninzom, Jema’a LGA, police swiftly responded to the abduction of a young man, Hussaini Ibrahim, on February 22, 2025. Following a coordinated operation, Ibrahim was rescued on February 24 with a gunshot wound to his leg and later reunited with his family. Four suspects were arrested, and several AK-47 rifles were recovered. In a related operation on July 23, police intercepted a suspicious waybill in Kaduna containing a fabricated AK-47 rifle en route from Jos to Gusau, leading to the arrest of two suspects in Zamfara State.
However, one of the most critical challenges remains the menace of informants—often residents of affected communities—who aid bandits and kidnappers. This is a problem government alone cannot solve. In Kachia, Kaura, Sanga, Zangon Kataf, and Kauru, there is an urgent need for concerned citizens to move beyond constant criticism and become active partners in intelligence gathering. Recent cases, including that of a village head in Kauru exposed as a bandit informant, as well as instances of individuals facilitating the kidnapping of their own relatives, represent a dangerous trend that must be halted.
Rather than sensationalism or relentless attacks on government and security agencies, citizens should take advantage of the collaborative framework opened by the Uba Sani administration. With improved cooperation through approved channels, greater progress can be made in ridding communities of terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.
In conclusion, parts of Kaduna State may continue to experience insecurity so long as neighbouring states fail to demonstrate similar commitment to collaboration and regional security efforts. Bandits often move across state borders, operating from perceived safe havens in Zamfara and Niger States. Many kidnapping victims have attested to being taken to camps far outside Kaduna. It is therefore hoped that concerned voices across the region will channel their advocacy toward a coordinated regional response. Until then, Governor Uba Sani deserves commendation for prioritising unity, inclusion, and collaboration—efforts that are steadily transforming Kaduna State from a symbol of crisis into a centre of peace and inclusive development.
Edward John Auta is a historian and public affairs analyst who writes from Kaduna State
